kaharvey88

iTrader: (9)

First off, I'm completely new to the world of turbos so any guidance will be appreciated. The car I'm working on is a 55 Bel Air given to me by my grandfather. I've worked and traded my way into a 5.3 and a t56 that I have very little money in and I was thinking why not put a turbo on it since I will have plenty of dead space under the hood anyway. I'd like to keep this as budget minded as possible.

I found this kit earlier http://www.vsracing.net/catalog/prod...b7811ab3375d97

Would something like that work well for my application?

From what I've read I will be able to use my cast truck manifolds flipped upside down, but other than that I'm not sure what direction to go from here. Any (positive) input is appreciated.

vinceI

iTrader: (5)

Horsepower goals?

DHR Darren

iTrader: (1)

Contact Matt Marron at Matts Fab in Orland Ca.
He has a turbo 57 chevy with a t-56 and can help you with any questions you may have.
He is on www.norcal1320.com as Mattsfab.

kaharvey88

iTrader: (9)

Probably around 500. From what I've read the stock bottom end can handle that and still be reliable. It's just going to be a street car that will likely never see a track. I have a 9" to go in the car and will get the transmission built and get a good clutch when I start putting it all together. I'd like to keep the engine stock at least for a while to get the car running and driving. If I feel that I want more power I'll build another engine before I pop this one. What kind of psi what I be looking at to get in the ballpark? Also, the 5.3 has 706 heads. Good or bad? And I have the stock cam out of my 2000 ls1.... would that be an upgrade over the 5.3 cam for a boosted application?

kaharvey88

iTrader: (9)

Thanks for the lead. Will be nice to get some input from someone who has pretty much exactly what I have in mind.

DHR Darren

iTrader: (1)

Matt could fab a tri-5 turbo system that is far superior to any "kit" you may find. He is very well priced too.

squarles67

I'm currently working on a '55 turbo LS project but I'm not far enough along to offer any advice. I'm using a 6.0 and truck manifolds.

Here is a thread on the tri-five forums that has a turbo '55 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116184

kaharvey88

iTrader: (9)

Thanks for the link. Will you be using a single or twins on yours?

squarles67

single S480 on a 6.0 LQ9, backed by a 4L80. I'll be welding in the mounts for the motor and trans this weekend. My car is an original 210 that had a 6cyl. I have the pieces to start on the hotside but my turbo has not arrived yet. I'm using the truck manifolds just like you mentioned.

Plenty of people have made good power with that kit you listed on a 5.3

Sumter

iTrader: (3)

My dad used flipped manifolds and just cut the ends off to put Vbands on them. The turbo is the same chinese GT45 from the link you posted.

kaharvey88

iTrader: (9)

I'm liking that patina look Sumter. Good to hear on the cheap turbo. Are twins just that much more complicated? Or does the single spool up just as quick. I just really like the symmetrical look. Anybody running megasquirt on these as a daily driver? Just curious about reliability. I've heard they have more to offer on boosted setups vs the factory ecu.